Universities are seeing graduates take on new roles focused on managing artificial intelligence, but questions are emerging about the depth of their professional development in these positions. Lotte Underwood, 25, a public relations executive at London-based Fight or Flight, is part of a dedicated AI team that has developed around 30 AI agents for tasks ranging from industry research and client reporting to image generation. Underwood's role as an "AI associate" involves overseeing these agents, verifying their outputs, and monitoring client mentions in AI tools like ChatGPT.
"A huge part is being in client meetings and calls to work out what is actually going to be most helpful from these agents," Underwood stated. While AI is cited as a factor contributing to graduate job cuts, specialized roles like Underwood's are also being created. Similarly, Dillan Patel, 24, transitioned from an intern to an AI automation analyst at engineering software company Stride, developing internal chatbots and identifying tasks suitable for AI automation.
Companies like ArvatoConnect are also adapting their graduate intake strategies. CEO Debra Maxwell plans to resume graduate recruitment next year with a stronger emphasis on "AI-disruptor type roles" that challenge the organization to think holistically about AI applications. Maxwell believes these roles can add value by enabling graduates to conduct deep market dives for contract bidding, ultimately providing them with more rounded positions.
Research from PwC's 2026 AI Jobs Barometer analyzed entry-level jobs in the US and found that roles most influenced by AI are now seven times more likely to require traditionally senior-level skills, such as motivational leadership and strategic decision-making. These roles have seen a 35% growth since 2019, while other entry-level positions have declined by 10%.
Despite the valuable AI knowledge graduates like Underwood and Patel are acquiring, concerns exist about whether these AI-centric roles may limit exposure to other essential professional skills. Underwood expressed a desire to gain more traditional PR experience, such as pitching to the media, and plans to pursue it. However, Simon Pratt, chief operating officer at Portman Finance Group, emphasizes a "learning the trade" approach in their two-year graduate program, focusing on product knowledge, financial procedures, and client relationship building.
Claire Reed, PwC UK's chief technology and innovation officer, suggests that highly AI-focused graduate roles might not always foster long-term career progression. She notes that while AI literacy is becoming a baseline requirement, it must be complemented by sector-specific knowledge to be truly beneficial. Patel, however, remains confident that his AI work is valuable and plans to continue building on it within Stride, appreciating the broad business exposure his current role provides.